Girls’ rugby continues to flourish in New Ross

GIRLS’ RUGBY in New Ross has grown from strength to strength once again in the last few years thanks to a re-energisation in the club and throughout Leinster.

Rugby programmes such as ‘Give It A Try’ are giving girls who may have never considered the game a taste of not only the sport, but the social side of what rugby clubs have to offer.

New Ross Rugby Club has no less than three girls’ teams at the moment - Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 - as well as the Senior women’s team leading the way.

The skill level of the girls at the moment is immense, as was evident recently when the Under-18 side took on Portlaoise at the Allianz pitch in New Ross.

Tries flowed for a very strong New Ross side, and the end scoreline was somewhere in the 80s.

Spectators at the game were treated to a fine display of both skilful defensive and attacking rugby.

Club spirit for the girls’ teams is huge, and the Under-18s have Deborah McGrath who is the driving force behind girls’ rugby in New Ross.

She is accompanied by three past players on the coaching panel, two of whom are former captains of the men’s team.

The Under-18s also have three players currently on the South-East squad, as well as Kathryn Dempsey on the Leinster squad.

There is a place for all athletic abilities on a rugby field, and new members are always welcome at the club.

The Under-14s and -16s train on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at the training pitch in the Good Counsel College grounds, and the Under-18s train from 7 to 8.45 p.m. on Wednesdays.